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What Is the FAFSA? (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

And Why Is It Important?

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form that students must file to be considered for federal financial aid – grants, loans and scholarship assistance to attend most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. In addition, many states and the colleges themselves use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

So you see, if you don’t fill out the FAFSA, you could be missing out on A LOT of financial aid. Yet, some students think they shouldn’t complete the FAFSA. Here are some of their reasons:

• "I (or my parents) make too much money, so I won't qualify for aid."• "Only students with good grades get financial aid."• The FAFSA is too hard to fill out."• "I'm too old to quality for financial aid."

If you think any of these statements apply to you, then you should read Myths About Financial Aid. The reality is, EVERYONE should file the FAFSA!

In Indiana

You need to file your Indiana FAFSA by March 10 to be eligible for state aid. Completing this required form correctly and by the deadline is sometimes seen as being complicated and time consuming. But in one afternoon at College Goal Sunday Indiana, students and their families can get free help and file the form online! To find the College Goal Sunday site near you, go to College Goal Sunday Indiana Locations.

For some tips on filling out the FAFSA, like what financial information you need and how to get an FSA ID, check out Filling Out the FAFSA, so you and your parents are ready to attend College Goal Sunday Indiana on February 21, 2016.